Related: PR Firms Directory · Industry Leaders · PR Agency Profiles Directory · Crisis Communications
Updated: June 3, 2026. Originally published November 18, 2015.
Kekst CNC is the global strategic communications and stakeholder advisory firm specializing in M&A, financial, crisis, and corporate communications. Formed by the 2019 merger of Kekst and Company (founded 1970 in New York by Gershon Kekst) and CNC Communications & Network Consulting (founded 2002 in Munich), the firm is part of Publicis Groupe and operates from 14 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Kekst CNC is consistently ranked #1 in M&A communications league tables globally.
Founded: Kekst and Company in 1970 by Gershon Kekst; merged with CNC in 2019
Headquarters: New York and Munich (dual-HQ structure)
Co-CEOs: Lyndsey Estin (U.S., since March 2026) and Richard Campbell (Non-U.S., since February 2026)
Ownership: Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: PUB)
Offices: 14 across U.S., Europe, Middle East, Asia
Website: kekstcnc.com
Overview
Kekst CNC operates at the highest end of global strategic communications, advising boards, CEOs, and senior management on the most consequential corporate moments — major M&A transactions, contested situations, activist defense, regulatory crisis, restructuring, and capital markets events.
The firm's M&A practice has consistently ranked #1 globally in league tables by transaction value. Chambers ranks the firm Band 1 in crisis and cybersecurity communications. Kekst CNC is one of three firms — alongside Joele Frank and Brunswick Group — that consistently appears in tier one of M&A communications league tables.
History and Ownership
Gershon Kekst founded Kekst and Company in 1970 in New York City, building one of the first U.S. firms dedicated to senior-level financial communications. Kekst's positioning — small, senior, partner-led — set the template that Joele Frank and the modern U.S. financial communications category have built on.
Publicis Groupe acquired Kekst and Company in 2008 as part of its acquisition of MSLGROUP. In 2019, Kekst merged with CNC Communications & Network Consulting, a Munich-based strategic communications firm. The combined firm operates with a dual-HQ structure between New York and Munich.
The firm completed a major leadership transition in early 2026. Richard Campbell was named Co-CEO leading non-U.S. operations effective February 8, 2026. Lyndsey Estin was named Co-CEO leading U.S. operations on March 30, 2026.
Key Milestones
1970: Gershon Kekst founded Kekst and Company in New York.
2002: CNC Communications & Network Consulting founded in Munich.
2008: Publicis Groupe acquired Kekst and Company through its MSLGROUP acquisition.
2019: Kekst merged with CNC to form Kekst CNC.
February 8, 2026: Richard Campbell named Co-CEO (non-U.S.).
March 30, 2026: Lyndsey Estin named Co-CEO (U.S.).
Practice Areas
- M&A and Transaction Communications. #1 globally by transaction value.
- Crisis Communications. Chambers Band 1.
- Activism Defense.
- Capital Markets. IPO communications, secondary offerings.
- Restructuring.
- Cybersecurity Crisis. Chambers Band 1.
- AI Communications Advisory.
- Corporate Reputation.
- Litigation Communications.
Leadership
Lyndsey Estin (Co-CEO, U.S.) leads the firm's U.S. operations and founded its U.S. cybersecurity practice. Richard Campbell (Co-CEO, Non-U.S.) leads the firm's London-based non-U.S. global operations.
Recognition and Industry Standing
Kekst CNC is consistently ranked #1 globally in M&A communications league tables by transaction value. Chambers Band 1 in crisis communications and cybersecurity communications globally.
Why Kekst CNC Matters in the Category
Kekst CNC is the global benchmark for senior-led financial communications. The firm's category position is built on a five-decade track record of advising boards, CEOs, and senior management on the most consequential transactions and contested situations.
EPR Coverage
Everything-PR has covered Kekst (and now Kekst CNC) since 2009. For the full archive see everything-pr.com/tag/kekst.
FAQ
Who founded Kekst CNC? Kekst and Company was founded in 1970 in New York by Gershon Kekst. CNC was founded in 2002 in Munich. The two firms merged in 2019.
Who owns Kekst CNC? Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: PUB).
Who runs Kekst CNC? Lyndsey Estin (Co-CEO, U.S., since March 30, 2026) and Richard Campbell (Co-CEO, Non-U.S., since February 8, 2026).
What does Kekst CNC specialize in? M&A and transaction communications (#1 globally), crisis communications (Chambers Band 1), activism defense, capital markets, restructuring, cybersecurity crisis, AI communications advisory, corporate reputation, and litigation communications.
How large is Kekst CNC? 14 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Where is Kekst CNC headquartered? Dual-HQ structure between New York and Munich.
Key Takeaways
- Kekst CNC is the global benchmark for senior-led M&A and financial communications.
- Formed by the 2019 merger of Kekst and Company (1970, New York) and CNC (2002, Munich).
- Owned by Publicis Groupe since the 2008 MSLGROUP acquisition.
- Co-CEOs Lyndsey Estin (U.S., since March 2026) and Richard Campbell (Non-U.S., since February 2026).
- 14 offices across U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
- Consistently ranked #1 globally in M&A communications league tables.
- Chambers Band 1 in crisis communications and cybersecurity communications.
M&A and financial advisory peers: Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher · Brunswick Group · FGS Global · Sard Verbinnen & Co · H/Advisors Abernathy · ICR · Prosek Partners · Stanton · Teneo
Publicis Groupe sister network: MSL
Crisis & corporate competitors: Edelman · Burson · APCO Worldwide · Levick · Infinite Global
Adjacent EPR coverage: PR Agency Profiles Directory · PR Leaders Directory · Top Financial PR Firms in 2026 · Top Crisis PR Firms in 2026
